BETTY Thornton’s 32 years as tutor of the Co-op Art Classes in Huddersfield is celebrated in an exhibition at the Parish Church.

But unfortunately Betty, who is now retiring, was unable to be present through illness to hear all the praise heaped on her good work over the years.

Among various tributes, Joan Keysell, director of learning management for the Co-op, said an amazing standard had been set in the exhibitions thanks to Betty’s own undoubted skill as an artist and the dedication she had given her students.

This exhibition will sadly be the last, as the class is folding with Betty’s retirement, but there is much of interest on view.

Her beautifully painted Arum Lilies quickly catches the eye, but she is equally good at landscapes, as she demonstrates with the lovely painting of Coniston Old Man.

From Rita Mallinson comes some striking Poppies and Peter Steeple shows an eye for detail in his painting of the Victoria Tower on Castle Hill.

Karen Whitwam gives dog-lovers an inviting portrait of Joe, while Pat Thorpe depicts spring with her Camellia and winter with her Winter Island picture.